News
Decades-old naval shell in front garden prompts bomb squad alert

AN UNASSUMING naval shell, a longstanding fixture in the front garden of a Milford Haven home for 74 years, unexpectedly triggered an emergency bomb squad response after police were alerted to its presence.
On the evening of Wednesday, November 29, police visited the residence of Jeffrey and Sian Edwards. Officers arrived with a request: to photograph an old shell in their garden for expert analysis.
Jeffrey Edwards, a retired ambulance driver, shared with The Herald a fascinating backstory. “Believe it or not, the Navy used to practice shelling the beach and cliffs at Broad Haven,” he recounted. “Pops Morris, a local lemonade seller from Milford Haven, once found a large shell on the beach and brought it home on his then famous horse and cart, where it has sat in our garden for over seven decades.”
Despite local rumors suggesting it was a World War II artifact, Jeffrey knew it predated that era. However, after examining the photographs, authorities informed Jeffrey of their concerns. The experts didn’t like the look of the shell, necessitating a response from a bomb disposal team.



Jeffrey humorously added, “They warned that the street might need evacuating. Luckily, that wasn’t necessary – I wouldn’t have been the most popular neighbour!”
As promised, the bomb disposal team, accompanied by the fire brigade, arrived the next day. After careful examination, including an X-ray, it was determined that the shell, surprisingly still charged, could be safely moved for controlled detonation.
The chosen site for disposal was a disused quarry at Walwyn’s Castle. There, the shell was buried under sand and detonated, creating a resounding boom that split the artifact in half. The bomb disposal team later confirmed that the shell was a British manufacture, dating back to between 1880 and 1890.
Reflecting on the incident’s resolution, Jeffrey mused, “Perhaps the two halves will be reassembled and find a new home in a museum.”

Community
Manordeifi’s Got Talent returns to Abercych

A COMMUNITY talent show with a difference is set to take place in Abercych Village Hall on Saturday, 14th June, as Manordeifi’s Got Talent 2025 brings together locals for an evening of entertainment and fundraising.
The event will feature performances of music, song, comedy, poetry and more, all contributed by members of the community. It promises to be a fun, social evening aimed at celebrating local creativity while raising funds for the Manordeifi Crisis Fund—a local initiative set up to support residents in times of emergency.
Last winter’s storms left many homes in the area without power for days, highlighting the need for better local resilience. Organisers say the fund is designed to help the community respond more effectively when the next crisis hits.
For more information or to get involved, contact [email protected].
Crime
Milford Haven man avoids jail after breaching supervision order

A MILFORD HAVEN man has avoided a custodial sentence after breaching the terms of a post-prison supervision order.
Liam Roberts, 32, of Marble Hall Road, was released from custody earlier this year following a 16-week sentence. As part of his release conditions, he was required to attend regular probation appointments until February 2026.
However, in February this year, Roberts failed to attend one of the scheduled meetings, prompting enforcement action.
He appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week and pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the supervision requirements.
Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd told the court that Roberts is the primary carer for his mother, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.
“He’s a tremendous source of help to her and she is heavily reliant on him for day-to-day support,” said Mr Lloyd.
“He is now keen to comply fully with the order and re-engage with probation services.”
Magistrates imposed a £60 fine and ordered Roberts to pay £60 in probation enforcement costs.
Crime
Man sentenced after drug-fuelled outburst left wife ‘embarrassed for her family’

A HAVERFORDWEST man who subjected his wife to a torrent of verbal abuse during a drug-fuelled outburst has been sentenced by magistrates.
Michael Tomlin, 40, of Coronation Avenue, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week after previously pleading guilty to a string of offences.
The court heard how Tomlin’s behaviour spiralled after taking crack cocaine, nitrous oxide and amphetamine. His wife, speaking through a victim impact statement, described the effect of the incident on her family.
“This was the worst I’ve ever seen him,” she said. “It made me feel embarrassed for us as a family.”
Prosecutor Dennis Davies told the court that police were called to the couple’s address following a disturbance.
“He called her a fat bitch, amongst other things,” he said. “As a result, he finds himself before the court today.”
Tomlin admitted the following offences: possession of crack cocaine; possession of nitrous oxide with intent to inhale; possession of 2.95 grams of amphetamine; using threatening and abusive language likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress to his wife; failing to stop for a police officer on Back Lane, Haverfordwest; driving without insurance; driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence; and failing to attend a drugs assessment after testing positive for cocaine.
His solicitor, Tom Lloyd, said Tomlin was ready to turn his life around.
“There is another side to this defendant,” he said. “He’s a good father and wants to address his issues with the support of a Community Order.”
Magistrates sentenced Tomlin to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days, a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement, and a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. A forfeiture and destruction order was made in relation to the drugs seized.
He was also ordered to pay a £134 court surcharge and £65 costs. His driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points.
Sentencing, magistrates told Tomlin: “This is your last chance. You’re very fortunate that your wife has stood by you today. It’s important that you comply with probation. We don’t want to see you in this court again. We wish you luck.”
-
Business3 days ago
New Barti BBQ sauce launches at Angle’s iconic Old Point House
-
Business6 days ago
Skilled labour crisis hits Pembrokeshire’s fishing fleet, warns new national report
-
Crime6 days ago
Man due in court over alleged New Year’s Day GBH at Narberth pub
-
Crime6 days ago
Warrant issued for Haverfordwest man who allegedly sent menacing messages
-
News6 days ago
Welsh Water fined £1.35m for widespread sewage permit breaches
-
News5 days ago
Man arrested after three-car crash on A40 near Haverfordwest
-
Community4 days ago
Milford Haven mum named one of UK’s most influential people
-
Business4 days ago
Oakwood revival plan gains traction as local resident bids to save theme park